a case for brass

February 15, 2013

We’re in the process of looking for a rental home for our family to live in while we rent out our main house during the high traffic tourist season. Not a lot of long-term rental choices here for a family of six, although with some digging, we did manage to find one interesting place on the bay. While doing our walk through with the agent, I couldn’t help but notice the brass hardware in the master bath (along with indescribable wallpaper and mauve cabinets, ha ha). While mentally picturing myself tearing out the wallpaper redesigning the bath, I couldn’t help but think “hmmm” about all that brass hardware. I usually dismiss brass, but this bathroom got me thinking.

I went home and found some lovely images that make me altogether rethink brass hardware.

Love the mix of brass and silver tones in this kitchen, above. Matter of fact, I think mixing metals in a room is just plain hot. I prefer that to all brass in one room. Seems more relaxed chic….or sophisticated…or something. The silver and brass tones on the hood made me think of the Lacanche, which is, of course, the Rolls Royce of ranges. These pups are born and bred in France.

This custom designed zinc and steel Lacanche range hood by Linda McDougald Design is so out of this world fabulous that my brain cannot even formulate thoughts well enough to discuss it rationally. Husband, I would promise to cook every single day if I had this.

Stunning use of mixed metals in this elegant space. Love those knobs and drawer pulls. Oh and they kept polished nickel for the faucet. Joy!

Yes friends, mixing metals is hot. You might recall the mind-blowing white kitchen I posted ages ago over here which boasts another impressive range, La Cornue. I have no idea how much these cost and will probably never find out ; )

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Hi Seleta, I also did a post about mixing metals on my blog after seeing it all over a major interior design show. I think mixing is fine, especially when working with what you have and I love all your example photos, but I am still struggling with it in my new home where I have to pick a bunch of hardware/faucets etc. I am so worried it will look choppy and date quickly. I keep thinking about 80′ brass! I have decided to do chrome for fixed items and then to add in some warmer metals in furniture/mirrors etc. It’s funny how much I love things I see, but committing seems to be a problem!–I read too many pretty blogs! Thanks for a great post and happy weekend.

2

AndreaFebruary 16, 2013

I love aged brass! I was nervous at first to try mixing, but I just completed our Children’s Hospital Lottery home and mixed up my metals in the kitchen and it looks fantastic! The pulls/knobs were aged brass (not the yucky 80’s shiny brass), faucet was nickel and lighting was oil rubbed bronze with aged brass accents. All this was against white cabinetry and greyed marble counter tops with a black and stainless custom hood fan, much like the Cornue one. I’ve gotten such a great response. Go for it – it definitely looks elegant!!

3

janaFebruary 16, 2013

Reminds me of my favorite mixed metals watch. When I moved into my home 10 years ago, I was horrified with all the brass fixtures. We’ve oh-so-slowly replaced many of them(especially the cheapy, shiny ones) but today I am pleased that some of them remain.

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Simply Me

I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more here.